14:10 Cheltenham

Bialystok - Country Handicap Hurdle

I’ve liked BIALYSTOK for a nice handicap for a while and Friday could be his day to get his head in front. I know the yard were keen on his chances at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival but he missed that engagement and then was frustratingly brought down when travelling well at the Dublin Racing Festival.

While Paul Townend rides Absurde, I’m happy to have ‘canny’ Danny Mullins on board despite a quiet week for him. He’s one of the best jockeys in the weighing room for me when it comes to riding over hurdles and I’m hopeful he can time his challenge.

14:50 Cheltenham

Readin Tommy Wrong - Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle

Plenty can – and often does – go wrong in the Albert Bartlett but I’m really keen on the chances of READIN TOMMY WRONG in this race. Reportedly working fantastic at home ahead of the Festival, he is the choice of Paul Townend and I’d say he could be a very, very good horse.

The Lawlor’s of Naas was dismissed immediately after the race but I’d say that is just because of Readin Tommy Wrong’s starting price that day. He is a huge who looks to be improving significantly with each run and I think he’ll take the world of beating in the final novice hurdle of the week.

17:30 Cheltenham

Waterford Whispers - Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle

I was thrilled to see WATERFORD WHISPERS make the cut for the Martin Pipe and I believe there is still plenty of leeway in his BHA mark of 133. Henry de Bromhead’s horses have been running well this week and his form behind Champagne Admiral is reasonable enough given he is now rated 8lbs higher than in December.

Yeats Star was third that day and he also warrants respect but my eyes are drawn to the green and gold of JP McManus. I don’t think Waterford Whispers was given the best of rides by Mark Walsh that day and I’d say he will be given time to settle and work his way into the race. He’ll be finishing strongly under Mike O’Connor.